Operational Excellence Specialist
Operational Excellence Specialist

Operational Excellence Specialist

Derby Full-Time 28800 - 42000 ÂŁ / year (est.) No home office possible
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead change initiatives to improve train maintenance processes and support teams globally.
  • Company: Alstom is a leader in transport solutions, connecting cities with greener mobility options.
  • Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, career growth, and a competitive rewards package including pension and medical benefits.
  • Why this job: Join a dynamic team shaping the future of rail service delivery while making a real impact.
  • Qualifications: Degree in Engineering or related field; experience in operational improvement and lean principles preferred.
  • Other info: Willingness to travel over 30% is required; diverse and inclusive workplace culture.

The predicted salary is between 28800 - 42000 ÂŁ per year.

At Alstom, we understand transport networks and what moves people. From high-speed trains, metros, monorails, and trams, to turnkey systems, services, infrastructure, signalling and digital mobility, we offer our diverse customers the broadest portfolio in the industry. Every day, more than 80,000 colleagues lead the way to greener and smarter mobility worldwide, connecting cities as we reduce carbon and replace cars.

In this role, you’ll report into the Services team and work closely with depots across the globe. You’ll help teams simplify and improve the way they work by leading change initiatives, introducing new technologies, and supporting better decision-making through smart processes and tools.

  • Lead and support continuous improvement projects that help Alstom’s train maintenance teams work more safely, reliably, and cost-effectively.
  • Visit sites to evaluate operations and help embed global best practices, including standard tools, systems, and behaviours.
  • Guide the rollout of new ways of working, such as central control hubs, smart diagnostics, tablet technology, and predictive maintenance tools.
  • Facilitate workshops, lead problem-solving activities, and mentor depot teams in using lean improvement methods.
  • Identify and resolve root causes of recurring problems using structured improvement tools.
  • Support the delivery of training, guidance, and cultural change to help teams embrace and sustain improvements.
  • Work alongside cross-functional and international teams to drive performance across maintenance contracts.
  • Stay connected with technology teams to ensure solutions are scalable, practical, and in line with Alstom’s strategic goals.

We value passion and attitude over experience. That’s why we don’t expect you to have every single skill. Instead, we’ve listed some that we think will help you succeed and grow in this role:

  • A degree or equivalent in Engineering, Business, Industrial Operations, or a related field.
  • Significant experience in operational improvement, maintenance, or production within rail, industrial, or manufacturing settings.
  • Strong knowledge of lean principles, continuous improvement tools, and structured problem-solving (e.g., Six Sigma, Kaizen, Value Stream Mapping).
  • A history of implementing change and achieving results across multiple sites or countries.
  • Comfortable leading workshops, coaching teams, and influencing across different business levels.
  • Familiarity with modern maintenance technologies and systems (e.g., predictive tools, tablets, control centres).
  • Excellent communication skills and the ability to build relationships in a global organisation.
  • Willingness to travel regularly (more than 30%).
  • Desirable: Lean Six Sigma certification (Green or Black Belt), or experience in project/change management.

Join us on a life-long transformative journey – the rail industry is here to stay, so you can grow and develop new skills and experiences throughout your career. You’ll also:

  • Enjoy stability, challenges and a long-term career free from boring daily routines.
  • Work with colleagues and customers based all over the world.
  • Collaborate with transverse teams and helpful colleagues.
  • Contribute to innovative projects.
  • Utilise our agile working environment.
  • Steer your career in whatever direction you choose across functions and countries.
  • Benefit from our investment in your development, through award-winning learning.
  • Benefit from a fair and dynamic reward package that recognises your performance and potential, plus comprehensive and competitive benefits (pension, life insurance, medical).

Alstom is an equal opportunity employer committed to creating an inclusive working environment where all our employees are encouraged to reach their full potential, and individual differences are valued and respected. All qualified applicants are considered for employment without regard to race, colour, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, national origin, disability status, or any other characteristic protected by local law. As a “disability confident leader accredited employer”, we will interview all disabled job applicants who match the essential criteria of the job description or specification. We will consider flexible working requests for all roles unless operational requirements prevent otherwise.

Operational Excellence Specialist employer: ALSTOM Gruppe

At Alstom, we pride ourselves on being a forward-thinking employer that champions innovation and sustainability in the transport sector. As an Operational Excellence Specialist, you'll thrive in a dynamic work culture that values continuous improvement and offers extensive opportunities for professional growth across global teams. With a commitment to employee development and a competitive benefits package, Alstom provides a rewarding environment where you can make a meaningful impact on the future of mobility.
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Contact Detail:

ALSTOM Gruppe Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Operational Excellence Specialist

✨Tip Number 1

Familiarise yourself with Alstom's core values and recent projects. Understanding their commitment to greener and smarter mobility will help you align your discussions during interviews, showcasing your passion for the industry.

✨Tip Number 2

Network with current or former employees of Alstom on platforms like LinkedIn. Engaging in conversations about their experiences can provide valuable insights into the company culture and expectations for the Operational Excellence Specialist role.

✨Tip Number 3

Prepare to discuss specific examples of how you've implemented lean principles or continuous improvement tools in past roles. Being able to articulate your hands-on experience will demonstrate your capability to lead change initiatives effectively.

✨Tip Number 4

Stay updated on the latest technologies in maintenance and operational excellence. Showing that you're knowledgeable about predictive maintenance tools and smart diagnostics will set you apart as a candidate who is ready to contribute from day one.

We think you need these skills to ace Operational Excellence Specialist

Operational Improvement
Lean Principles
Continuous Improvement Tools
Structured Problem-Solving
Six Sigma
Kaizen
Value Stream Mapping
Change Management
Workshop Facilitation
Coaching and Mentoring
Excellent Communication Skills
Relationship Building
Familiarity with Predictive Maintenance Technologies
Project Management
Cross-Functional Collaboration
Analytical Skills

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in operational improvement and maintenance. Use keywords from the job description, such as 'lean principles', 'continuous improvement tools', and 'structured problem-solving' to catch the employer's attention.

Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your passion for the rail industry and how your skills align with Alstom's goals. Mention specific examples of past projects where you led change initiatives or improved processes, showcasing your ability to drive results.

Showcase Your Skills: Highlight any certifications, such as Lean Six Sigma, and your familiarity with modern maintenance technologies. This will demonstrate your commitment to continuous improvement and your readiness to embrace new tools and methods.

Prepare for Interviews: If selected for an interview, be ready to discuss your experience in leading workshops and coaching teams. Prepare examples of how you've resolved recurring problems using structured improvement tools, as this will be crucial for the role.

How to prepare for a job interview at ALSTOM Gruppe

✨Understand Lean Principles

Make sure you have a solid grasp of lean principles and continuous improvement tools. Be prepared to discuss how you've applied these in past roles, as this will demonstrate your capability to lead change initiatives effectively.

✨Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills

Be ready to share specific examples of how you've identified and resolved recurring problems using structured improvement tools. This will highlight your analytical skills and ability to drive operational excellence.

✨Demonstrate Communication Skills

Since the role involves working with cross-functional teams, practice articulating your thoughts clearly. Prepare to discuss how you've built relationships in previous roles, as strong communication is key to influencing others.

✨Familiarise Yourself with Modern Technologies

Research the latest maintenance technologies and systems relevant to the rail industry. Being knowledgeable about predictive tools and smart diagnostics will show your commitment to staying current and your readiness to implement new solutions.

Operational Excellence Specialist
ALSTOM Gruppe
A
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